subject: Dental Implants: Strong Option For Tooth Restoration [print this page] Losing teeth is not uncommonLosing teeth is not uncommon. Tooth loss can come from tooth decay, gum disease, root canal failure, congenital defects, trauma to the mouth, excessive wear and tear or a common sports injury. People who have lost some teeth might feel self-conscious about talking or smiling. Additionally, biting irregularities--a possible result of tooth loss--can have a negative impact on eating habits, potentially leading to malnutrition and other problems. One relatively simple, and very effective, solution to these problems is to get dental implants.
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that help prevent further tooth loss. While there are several less effective options for treating missing teeth such as bridges and dentures, dental implants have been proven the most durable and effective. The reason is that they offer an effective, permanent solution. Furthermore, they may be used as counterparts to other restorative procedures. An implant might replace a single tooth and support a dental crown or several teeth and support a bridge. They can also be used to stabilize dentures and reduce gum irritation.
While there is no guarantee that the implant procedure will be successful, dental implants do have a high success rate: a five-year rate of ninety-five percent on the lower jaw and ninety percent on the upper jaw. The reason for a slightly lowered success rate on the upper jaw is that the upper jaw is less dense, making implantation more difficult. The most common reason for lack of success is a failure in the osseointegration process (the process where your jaw regenerates bone). Smokers, for example, face a higher risk of failure and are advised to give up smoking in order for the procedure to have a better chance of success.
Check with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants as a solution for missing teeth.
